Washburn (AKA 108) - Naval Cruise Book

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'Qi Q X CROSSING THE EUUATUR During the early daylight hours of 24 April 1962, the WASHBURN and her crew entered the renown- ed Kingdom of Neptunus Rex as the ship crossed the equator at 151 degrees East Longitude. The traditional Crossing the Line Ceremony was conducted. This ceremony, as it is familiarily known, stems from the rugged seafaring days when sailing a ship across the equator was an epic in itself, symbolic of inspired leadership and courage- ous seamanship. Today every seafaring nation in the wold recognizes the obvious superiority of a Trusty Shellback, one who has crossed the line as compared to the uninitiated, lowly pollywog. Free Day, the day before the crossing, was the only opportunity for the brave pollywogs to annoy the old Shellbacks. Numerous tricks were played and many Shellbacks were glad to see the next day arrive. However, this action only made the Shellbacks more bitter. Free Day was also the day the Shellbacks convened the Royal Court to hear Special Cases and the pleas of the Pollywog Warriors. Ceremonies began very early in the morning. The Shellbacks held early reveille and the first duty of the pollywogs was to serve breakfast to their superiors. Following this, and a delicious breakfast of beans, the Pollywogs were then told to shift into the Uniform of the Day. This was an outfit especially designed for such an occasion, skivy shorts and black socks. As the Pollywogs waited to answer their sum- mons, trying to figure out what would happen to them, King Neptunus Rex, the Ruler of the Raging Main, came on board. While the Royal party waited, Davy lones, the Royal Scribe, escorted the Captain to the forecastle to meet King Nep- tunus Rex who in turn invited the Captain to be his guest at the initiating ceremonies. Then it began as the first defenseless, slimy pollywog was selected and started on his way to meet his awful fate. Appearing before the Royal fudge, he received his sentence. He was then secured in a wooden stock by his neck and wrists while the Shellback Deliverers helped him to